Hiety Ho My Peeps!!! (And not the Easter Kind either!)

How are you? A Big Happy Birthday to my cousin Dominique as well as my WVU girlfriend Heather.  Happy Birthday Beautiful Women!!!  Hope you have a GREAT birth-day, whatever you are doing!!!!!   Today it’s supposed to be 70 degrees here.. wacky!!! Yesterday it was like 40…I am ready for consistant warmer weather.. It makes for my driving him at 6:15ish when it’s still Sunny SO much nicer!!!! (Me love Daylight Savings Time!)

So yea.. I’m sure you saw on facebook… I had a CT Scan of my Sinuses and I found out that I have a deviated septum and have to have that surgery where they basically break my nose. I’m going to try to avoid that at ALL costs… Want to look up homeopathic remedies first… I understand why I keep getting Sinus Infections… now with that knowledge.. I need to work on it.. been doing good so far. I’m feeling much better.. back to my self.. so that’s good.

I’m getting REALLY excited.. Not this weekend.. but next weekend.. is our Engagement Session with our awesome Photographer!!! I am almost nervous to even meet Michael.. I don’t even know why. I hope the weather is GORGEOUS (God.. can you help a girl out here?) we all have a good vibe… (hope Peter keeps a straight face most of the time.. trying to get that boy to be serious is like pulling teeth!!!)  I respect Michaels vision.. and am so excited to see how he interprets the moment!!! Keep your eyes peeled!!! I’ll definitely link our session from his blog!

Ok.. feeling inspired…. onto 3 things 2 things:

3 things that make me happy:
1. My wonderful Auntie sent me (2) Louise Hay Books and a DVD as an “unbirthday” present this weekend!!! I was so surprised.. I love getting mail (don’t we all!) I can’t wait to watch the DVD and start reading!!!! Thank You Auntie!!!
2. It’s weird.. after not running a week being under the weather.. my runs on Monday and Tuesday have been AWESOME!!! Why is that? I feel stronger.. endurance better.. I’m really happy about it!!!
3. Driving to work this morning.. I heard this AWESOME dance song… (Cascada/’Perfect Day’) and CRAZY dancing in my car… actually made me tear up.. thinking about dancing with all my wonderful friends at the Reception!!! (Matthew that includes YOU too!!!)

2 things I am looking forward to today:
1. I’m going to go run at 4ish today.. so I don’t have to worry about not getting a treadmill. Then I can work till 6.
2. I’m going to this awesome Lecture about an upcoming Exhibit at my National Building Museum tonite..  called “House of Cars” about Parking Garages. I am weirdly really intrigued by this subject so I’m excited to go!!!

2 long term things I am looking forward to:
1. Getting my shoes that I bought online in.. (I have been a smidge of a shopaholic lately.. I got (3) pairs of shoes for $60 bucks  – couldn’t pass it up!!!)
2. Next Friday – the 27th.. TWO things that I am excited about.. 1. Seeing my Krisstoefir and 2. Going to the Elizabeth Gilbert (She’s the Author of  “EAT PRAY LOVE”) at National Cathedral.

1 person I am going to appreciate:
Not one person.. but I really really really LOVE sitting outside with my neighbors… Last nite.. Mahoney and Allison were already out there when I got home from running.. then Peter came in after me.. and we lit a fire.. had a few celebratory St. Patricks Day Drinks (I had a Baileys on the Rocks – YUM!) and just talked till 10.. Neighbors Jose and Jody (their doggie Striker) came and joined us later.. I can’t tell you how awesome it is that we all get together on a regular basis outside. It makes me feel like my extended family. I am looking forward to this spring.. I predict a lot of fun get togethers!!!

I am really one lucky woman… The ONLY thing that I can think of in my entire life that is still not quite right.. is I have Pez back with me.. but she’s just not herself.. She’s very defensive and not very mushy with me.. It makes me so sad… Other than that.. My life is really quite amazing. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Hope you have a Great week!!! Hope to talk to you soon!!!
Much Love,
Kerilyn

Hi there my beautiful People!!!!!

Holy Moly!!!  I can’t believe this day has come… I’m so excited I can’t stand it… My FIRST OFFICIAL Blog Post off my own website!!!

       Wow…. Ok… where to begin..??

Hmm… well.. This year has started off like a DREAM!!! I still feel like I haven’t woken up.. SO many wonderful experiences.. moments…. ones that I will NEVER forget. Ok, so let’s recap,refresh for those just joining us!:

Work First: Still working at Chasens Business Interiors; a Herman Miller dealership… been here since August 26,2006.. I love my job. I work in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. My office overlooks the Potomac River and Skyline of Washington D.C. I love where I work, and (for the most part) who I work with!! After so many attempts to find the place where I excel at my career, working as a Systems Furniture Designer is not where I saw myself but definitely where I’m supposed to be. I have designed hundreds, maybe thousands of “cubicles” or “stations” as we call them in the industry. Not to mention that I am happy with my income.. that.. also brings me peace.

Then Love: If you don’t know.. I’m getting MARRIED!!!!! Saturday, September, 26th, 2009 I will become Mrs. Kerilyn Russo! After what? TEN years.. my prince Peter and I will turn the chapter in our story to Married Life.. children.. and the Lot. More on this on my “Into My Soul” page on this site.. but I am so happy…. Peter is seriously like my other half… he is the opposite of me… Tall/Short… Spontaneous/Planner…. Book Smart/Street Smart… but one thing we definitely have in common… We Love each other very much.. I can honestly say that as of 2009s beginning.. I find myself falling more in love with him everyday… Just being near him.. being silly and funny with him (which happens OFTEN) or.. the rare occasion when we are quiet in the silence…. I really wish I could send God a Thank You letter.. for bringing him back to me in my life. (No, like really buy one and send one somewhere.. hmm.. maybe I can do that….) . Like my dad says Perfect only exists in the dictionary, Kerilyn. A relationship takes work… daily dedication to our goal of staying connected, communicating.. and keeping the feeling of love alive. And as I am not perfect, I am still learning how I am of value to Peter and how he brings value to me…

So.. with that said.. We are in the midst of planning a wedding.. All of the Big stuff is done.. the where/when/ food/drink/photographer/ coordinator (oh yes!)/who.. etc.. I am so excited to report that I found a dress last Saturday at Macys (Have become such a BIG Macys Fan this past year! Dang it!) I look and feel beautiful and as my sister can attest.. It was “the one”, the dress… from the moment I put it on!!! Our Save the Dates are out… so next is Flowers and Invitiations.. the fun stuff.. (Also right now is the payments.. whew! Weddings are EXPENSIVE!!! ) ALSO planning the Honeymoon/Kerilyns Dream Trip of my LIFETIME – TWO WEEKS IN ITALY!!! If you know me.. (and many of you do) you know how this trip is an answer to a time when my grandfather and I had plans to go back when I was 13… but we never made it because he got sick. Already it’s like my Grandfather is working with my blessed friends and loved ones to help me make this happen. I have to stop or I’ll cry.

So… started running last August.. started with 1/2 mile…3-4 days a week.. now I’m up to 2.25 miles/day.. working up to my goal of 3 miles a day (been stuck a while) The weight it starting to come off nicely.. with the help of my Thyroid who helps speed my metabolism along. A little secret.. I have an inner athlete determination inside of me.. I always have.. And I love running (ok.. I am at an 11.5 minute mile so it’s more like jogging but it’s running TO ME) Now let me say.. I did not start running to look schnazzy in my dress (ok.. i won’t lie. i did think of it.. but it wasn’t my initial intention) I ran to help heal.. to be “so much myself” … Running is like meditation… I run in the little gym in my office building.. facing a full length mirror.. and I stare at myself in the mirror.. stare into my soul.. I can’t say that there haven’t been moments running when my pain (NOT the physical kind) comes out and I find myself tearing up on that thing… But I’m in transition.. and naturally there is a purging of the past that is going on. You know the metaphor.. like a caterpillar.. I am in that little cocoon… writhing around…

and people…. what a HOT butterfly I am becoming!  I have NEVER felt this beautiful in my life… (it doesn’t hurt that I am in a relationship with someone who thinks I’m one sexy woman and tells me EVERY DAY!!! Talk about incentive!!)

So yes.. Guess the only thing that isn’t quite right (YET)  is my kitty girl Pez.. MY HEART….and Peters cat Bella do NOT get along.. I will not risk my girl being under stress; she’s going to be 13 this year and I will not risk her being under stress or injured… so she’s been at my parents since Christmas… I miss her terribly.. it makes me cry sometimes thinking of her. I know my mom loves having her there.. and I am at peace knowing she is taken good care of!!!  I am hopeful this situation is working it’s way out (God.. can you help a girl out here?) and I will be with her again soon.. listening to her purring in my ear.. waiting for me to get out of the shower  in the morning… Soon.

So.. like traditional fashion.. I will continue and end with my favorite way of keeping you up with what’s happening with me.. 3 things 2 things:

3 things that make me happy:

• I feel really good in my green striped shirt with green sweater vest.. goes well with my green glasses!Wearing the necklace Roxanne gave me!
• I bought a Shamrock Plant for my desk at work and I love looking over at them!
• Love hearing the responses from People receiving our Save the Dates!!! Permagrin!

2 things I am looking forward to today:

• Running (of course!)
• Getting my VERY overdue nails done tonite!

2 long term things I am looking forward to:

• March 27th – Going to see Elizabeth Gilbert  (Author “Eat Pray Love“) speak at National Cathedral
• March 29th – Our Engagement Photography Session with our AMAZING Photographer!!!!

1 person I am going to appreciate:

I can’t really just name one person… I have some amazing friends, family, neighbors. SO many things inspire  me.. music, art… I appreciate it all.. Even the yucky stuff. For it’s made me who I am; and I really do… Love who I am.

Well that’s it!! My FIRST POST!!!! WOW!!! I can’t wait to see how this looks!!!
Have a GREAT Week my lovely ladybugs!!
MUCH love,
Kerilyn

Hi folks..

What’s up? Friday.. another cold day… I don’t feel like being chipper and happy today… Feel down right blah to tell you the truth… I feel like I need a really need a good cry.. into my soul cry…a cry that lasts a long while.. and leaves me feeling spent..where I then fall into a deep sleep and wake up a while later… feeling refreshed and anew.

This week for me has definitely been about Change.. I’ll tell ya… Change for the country and Change for me individually… I feel a Shift.. Funny.. I’m reading this rockin book called “The Shift” right now.. (Thanks Auntie) and it’s about an energy shift in the way in which we look and deal with our government.. And didn’t that totally shift this week… I had an amazing experience on Tuesday at the Inauguration…. blew my mind…

There is definitely something Bigger going on here.. again…individually and universally.

My wonderful Auntie sends me my Numerology Chart Every year.. This year has never been so RIGHT ON.. As I share with you all..

“PERSONAL YEAR 2009 – 9

The tide is out in a 9 year, but the harvest is in! This is the year of rewards for all the effort you have made in the past eight years. This is the end, the conclusion of your nine-year cycle, so the seeds you planted in your 1 year are now harvested.

When the tide goes out, it means that the ending of a cycle is at hand, and the energy of this year is more about letting things go, finishing, and dreaming about the next nine years. It is time to re-vision, dream and envision once again how you would like your life to proceed, to allow things to conclude, and wait, because the beginning that you sense is coming is for next year. This is also a time for healing and dreaming on both a figurative and literal level. Have a massage and pay attention to your dreams.

On another note, this is a good money year, because efforts of selfless giving and loving are favored and rewarded this year. Of course the reverse can be true as well.

If you are behaving selfishly and needing to revamp your money picture, with this number of endings, it may be a trying time for money. Do not despair, next near is a 1 year and starting anew is always favored under a 1.

The 9 year means it is a time for you to forgive and forget. Use this year to complete things and bring things to closure on every level. More than any other year, this is the time to follow your intuition and seek to perfect what was begun eight years before.

It is a time for tying everything together, and if you do not take time for finishing things this year, you will most likely find your unfinished business lurking about and needing to be faced again, in nine years.”

Holy Moly.. I don’t know if I could have said it better myself! Now (2) ships; 1 relationship and 1 friendship have now ended. It has found me running the gammit of different emotions.. back and forth, round and round like a pendulum.. anger.. abandonment…sadness.. fear… dissapointment..a freeing as well… the feeling of loss of someone no longer being in your life… that once was very important. Their energy is still there.. I can feel them… in my heart.. like the warmth in a bed.. reminder of what was just there.. but knowing that when you look over or put your hand there.. they’re no longer there.

Another eyeopener for me is this surprise discovery of the importance and unwaivering faith I put in my deepest ‘ships’ (Relation and Friend). Finding myself taking them down off the pedestal that I have put them on.. admittedly….And deciding to either give them a dusting off to bring back their shine or taking them down all together.. Amazingly 2 doors have closed now and I find other doors are re-opening in my life in the same amount of time… rekindling of old friends…Who knows why? But I’ll ride the wave.. buckle my seatbelt as my beloved Auntie says.. and continue to go for the Ride.

Only God knows where it will take me next?

This week I am also very proud of myself.. I love myself. I love who I am.. I have really grown.. I can feel it… Today I feel quite vulnerable and quiet.. underbelly exposed… But I feel I have went into the frey.. sparred with a Kindred Spirit and came out.. bruised and tender to the touch.. but standing strong that I followed my gut.. I didn’t second guess myself.. It felt right. I am proud of myself.. I want to give myself a Gold Star for all the expansion I’ve seen in myself this year.

Have a good weekend.. I will have a quiet one.. as I continue to heal.. and grow stronger as the wound closes up a little bit more every day.

Much Love,
Kerilyn

PS: While I’m feeling a bit melancholy today.. do NOT let me let you think how EXCITED and EXPECTANT I am for all the BEGINNINGS that are coming this year too.. I am SO BLESSED!!!! Whew.. blows my mind!! Yippee! just feeling the dark side of the moon today…

Hi there..

Saturday evening…. It is FREEZING!!! This is honestly what I consider HELL to be.. Biting Stinging… a definite slowing of my mental faculties as the ONLY thing I can think about is HOW I am going to get to a much warmer location… and NOW!!!!! UGH just heard tomorrow going to be coldest in DECADES… ICK ICK!!! Just sitting here right now…it’s cold in here now… My nose and hands wish they were warmer and I am dreaming of a Lounge chair by a pool somewhere Tropical and SPF 50 and a margarita…. Ahh…

I was in DC today… my favorite Secret Haircut/color/Highlight (Don’t worry Matthew.. I barely got a trim) and I can tell.. I can FEEL the energy of the City… getting prepared.. Not to mention that I park in the Parking Lot at the National Building Museum, where am proud to have been volunteering for 5 years now… and they are getting ready for the Admirals Ball there.. tents.. trucks.. backup generators….all the barricades lining the Streets.. ..more people walking around than usual already…. you can FEEL it… it’s coming!!!! (And Thank God that the weather is supposed to warm up by Tuesday!! AMEN!)

So I am kinda glad that this weekend is a low key one.. cause as of 5pm Monday I am going to be ON THE GO!!! After work I find my way to Chant for Change for 5 Hours of Chanting/Singing and Communing with others that want to give their energy toward the Inauguration and the Hopeful CHANGE that this country will hopefully go thru!! I’m very excited because one of my favorite Spiritual Singers, Jai Uttal will be performing!! THEN I leave there at 11:30pm and go home for like 3 hours of sleep and get up and BE at Kristys house at 3:30AM to BE on the Metro when it opens at 4AM so we can be at the Eastern Market at 5AM and check in… It’s going to be a LONG (and MISERABLY COLD) DAY… I plan on working from home on Wednesday so I don’t have to worry about putting clothes on or getting up early to take a shower.. so I can just relax and work in my PJ’s….

I am SO excited to be a part of this experience… I see the Images when Martin Luther King gave his “I have a dream” speech… all the people.. yea I feel like this is going to be comparable… and I can and will be telling my children about being a part of this day….. I WAS THERE…

I’m reading this awesome book that my Auntie gave me.. called “The Shift” about how we need change on this earth and a story about how Politics in America need to change… it somewhat parallels what is happening with this future Presidency and Administration.. I find I can’t put this book down.. I want to give as much as I can to bring this change about…I have never been more excited or interested in the current state of affairs…

Let’s not be afraid and FACE THIS.. WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD..

BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD – Dali Lama

Much Love!
Kerilyn

Hiety Ho my lovebugs!!!

What’s happening??? Can you believe it’s already the 8th of January?? Whoa… time FLIES!!! It’s almost halfway thru January. amazing. Just 15 minutes ago it was snowing out my window at work.. and yes.. while I like watching it from the window.. you MUST all know by now that driving in the stuff is another story!

I feel off today… I had a frustrating run yesterday… with everyone doing the New Years Resolutions… the little gym in my bldg is busy and I had to wait 15 minutes to get the treadmill I run on… Well.. It has thrown me off a bit… frustrates me. By the time I got to run.. I had used the elliptical for a while and well.. i’m rambling but I only ran a mile and half.. pissed me off. Plus it was hotter in the room with the more people so I was sweating hard and feeling really tired. Ugh!!! You KNOW i’m going to sneak out of here early to make sure that doesn’t happen tonite.

So NOT to focus on my off day.. let’s get to the good stuff.. onto 3 things 2 things :

3 things that make me happy:
1. Getting together with my best friend Naomi.. we met and had dinner at one of our favorite places.. Outback.. YUM. Good catching up with her and exchanging Christmas Gifts!
2. I am wearing my favorite Salmon colored Shirt!! I feel pretty today.. my black pants are getting REALLY big on me.. I know I need to buy a new pair!
3. I found this program (Hardware/Software) that I am excited about using for the mailings that I need to mail out by the end of January. Yippee!
4. I got my new 2009/2010 pocket calendar all set up and I’m ready to roll for another 2 years worth of fun things to do!!! Amazing that a new calendar would make me so happy but it does!!! My mom got me one with my Name (and future New Name) on it! Yea!

2 things I look forward to today:
1. Running.. I’m going to avoid having to wait… ugh. I will run 2 miles today…
2. Going home and resting.. catching up on my Tivo Shows in my PJ’s. I feel tired.. like I need to rest.

2 long term things I am looking forward to:
1. Chant for Change on the 19th! Sitting there with all these people.. singing/chanting and I’m sure feeling the energy of the Evening!! Can’t wait!!!
2. The meeting on Sunday (after I volunteer at the National Building Museum) about Volunteering at the Inauguration! I hope Kristy gets in too.. I feel bad.. she is the one that told me about it.. and I got picked… It’s not going to be as fun if I have to do this alone… Fingers crossed!!!!
3. Thievery Corporation on January 28th with Kristy!!! I am so excited.. I’ve never seen them live so this will be fun!!! Dancing my butt off I predict!!!
4. An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert – the Author of EAT PRAY LOVE!!!! Going with Naomi, Kristy and Janet!!! Yea!!! I LOVE this book and I’m so excited to see her speak in March!!! Yippee!!!!

1 person I am going to appreciate:
Matthew.. besides the obvious reasons why I love him and miss him and can’t wait to see him after almost 2 years…. He’s blowing my mind with an offer that is making me speechless. More about this if it comes to fruition.

Ok… Tomorrow is Friday.. Thank Goodness!!!
Much Love,
Kerilyn

Happy New Year my peoples!!!!!

How are you? Happy 2009!!!! This is my 501th Post on my High/Low here on Blogger!!! Holy Moly!!! We’ve (My WVU roomie Lisa) and I have been writing a High/Low since 2001… Is that right Lisa? I think so… Originally I just sent a High/Low email to everyone everyday.. upwards of 70 people everyday.. then the creation of the “blog” via Blogger.. and voila.. here we are.. I’ve definitely written more than 500 posts including my emails previous to the creation of this means of communication… Hopefully this year… I’ll be posting my blog from my own Website… so I can keep it closer to home… What a nice way to start off the New Year…. reflections of where I have been and where I’m going…. very exciting!

And speaking of that…the past few days I’ve had this overwhelming sense of calm.. and comfort… I don’t think I’ve EVER been so excited to ring in a New Year.. and a New Birthday (December 31st Baby.. 34 yrs old! Check out my Flickr pics of my birthday/New Years Celebration!!!) In EVERY aspect.. I feel like I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be… in my soul.. it’s like an inner knowing… My job, still love what I do and where I do it.. where I live.. (I’m warming up to admitting I live in Arlington vs. my Del Ray Alexandria) I feel SO much more settled in the house with Peter.. set up my little studio/desk area… computer.. inspiration hanging on the wall.. (I’ll take a pic and post) and am looking forward to focusing on my cards again.. amazing I haven’t worked on my cards in over a YEAR!!! Up to running 2 miles a day.. and am SO proud of myself for that… I am noticing a difference in my body every day… and am therefore investing more time end energy (and money) to looking showing off the fruits of my labor (I’m revealing my inner HOT MAMA!) …My best friend Matthew is home.. and it’s a nice way to go into the new year.. to be able to hear his voice and talk to him whenever I need him… I’ve missed him SO much the almost 2 years he’s been in Iraq… I feel SO blessed.. my friends and family.. wow.. my cup runneth over with amazing people in my corner.. wow.. Solid Gold. And.. planning an amazing event for September 26th.. a reflection of who Peter and I are.. our passions…we have to begin deciding on the fun stuff this year… stuff I wanted to wait to do until the Saga of 2008 was over… So stay tuned… I am excited to see how events play out with each week/month of 2009 progresses….

with that said… onto 3 things 2 things :

3 things that make me happy:
1. I got some really AMAZING Birthday gifts this year…Some AWESOME Coffee cups with “The Secret” sayings with Boxes of Green Tea and a book on Green Tea from my future Brother and Sister in Law… a Remote Control for my Digital SLR Camera from my best friend Naomi (Can you say AWESOME!!!) My girl Janet gave me an awesome necklace that I can’t wait to wear… Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack from Kristy… a wonderful Candle from Scott… Peter got me a photo album to go with my Camera to start documenting our lives in..(he’s so cute!) my sister got me a Sirius Gift Certificate.. SO needed when I get my Sirius put back in my car hopefully tomorrow!!! and my girl Davina gave me this AMAZING Ohm Charm for my necklace for my birthday.. I have it on now and I LOVE it!!!! I’ve been really looking hard for one… and it’s EXACTLY what I would have bought for myself…. Truly…Thank You EVERYONE!!!! (I hope I didn’t forget anyone.. if so.. I’m sorry)
2. I had a really good time with my parents yesterday.. talking about September.. My mom got me a really cute Nightgown for my birthday. And.. I had a bowl of my moms chili while there.. YUM YUM!!!
3. I talked to Matthew for 2 hours on Saturday nite… MADE MY DAY!!! First time I really talked to him in YEARS. I look forward to much more of that this year!!!
4. I bought the Kanye West CD for Peter yesterday.. and I have it on my IPOD.. it’s really good!!! Jamming in my seat at work!

2 things I look forward to today:
1. Running of course…. Feels SO good!!!
2. Relaxing after running… the house is clean.. and that makes me really enjoy being home..

2 long term things I’m looking forward to:
1. I was picked to be a volunteer at the Presidential Inauguration (HOW EXCITING!!!) Thanks to my girl Kristy… We’re going to a meeting to hopefully volunteer together on Sunday!!!!
2. Seeing Thievery Corporation on Wednesday, January 28th with my girl Kristy!!!

1 person I am going to appreciate:
Everyone in my life.. I am blessed because of you… You have made me who I am.. and I know I say this a lot.. but it’s important you know how much I mean it… I love who I am and I wouldn’t change a thing… I value and love you all very much… You are a part of me! I am a lucky woman.

Ok.. Have a great week!!! Hope you have a good one!!!
Much Love,
Kerilyn

Hiety Ho….(And a Shout out to my boy Matthew….Happy Now?)

I know.. I know… I have not written in a week… Where to start??? hmm… So much to fill you in on… Hmm…Well I started with what I thought was a head cold back on the 18th of December… which turned into full blown flu… drs appt… NOT being able to breathe out my nose… fevers.. Ugh.. God Bless Peter.. I have been a handful and then some… The Dr told me that I really shouldn’t be going anywhere for a few days.. this was the day before Christmas eve.. so I was understandably really upset.. (again.. God Bless Peter.. putting up with my 2 yr old little girl crying thinking I was going to have to cancel Christmas plans) But.. I pushed thru it with the help of a slew of medicines and forcing myself to rest..

I didn’t run in almost a week and half.. Ugh.. I missed it a LOT…. up to TWO MILES NOW!!! Can you believe it… 3 months ago I was trying for a half a mile.. and now.. TWO MILES… Ok so I wanted to be at 3 miles by now but whatever.. At least I’m still running every day and I’m seeing a difference.. That’s all that matters to me!!! I will be running a 5K in the Spring.. Mark My Words!!!!

Christmas Eve at my sisters house (We’re starting a new tradition switching off houses at Christmas time.. Next Year will be at the Russos – thats OUR house!!! Hee Hee! We will try to get the NJ Russos to our house but we’ll see… our place is an ok size but all those people… meh.. not sure) I got my New Sirius Radio (Thanks Mom/Dad/Krissy/Steve) to replace the one that was stolen in my car in September.. THANK GOODNESS… I cannot TELL you how much I’ve missed listening to the Chill Channel on my way to/from work… and Reggae.. 24 hours a day… Heaven!!! Peters going to reinstall it on Friday.. whew! can’t wait!!! ANYWAY.. Christmas Eve/Morning was filled with yummy mom foods… and spending time with family.. After Breakfast we got on the road and drove to NJ despite me still not feeling well.. (Damn my clogged head!) We spent a few days in NJ with Peters family… and can I just tell you…

I love his family.. It’s the long lost Italian family that I’ve been missing since my grandparents “went home”… A loud and exhuberant and loving family… the Francos from Long Island.. and all the Russos… I had a great time.. ate well.. received some loverly gifts.. and just hung out.. the Day after christmas.. I spent the entire day in my pajamas… the whole family did for the most part.. SO NICE!!! I didnt’ really start to truly feel better till Saturday, Dec 27th…I had a great time.. Just makes me so excited for what this next year is to bring!!! We drove home Saturday evening.. and I am really blessed.. Peter and I.. singing Frank Sinatra songs in the car.. What more could you ask for (Peter put a “Singing Star” Award in my stocking – yea yea.. I can sing) I will tell you that knowing our story…. Peter and I are more in love with each other now.. than ever before.. It’s just like this amazing feeling… I cannot describe it…

Back at work…. still stuffy head but I’m 87% back to snuff.. Yesterday was the “walk through” at the house… in Del Ray… Long story but it ended up just being Kevin and I… and well.. I will say our last meeting was bittersweet….. I handed in the Key.. we made small talk about the house.. and I walked away… waiting for my Security Deposit back in a week or so.. and am DONE!!! What a year.. This has been both the most beautiful and also heart breaking year of my life.. I mean when God changes something.. they don’t do it lightly , do they? (yes they) .. I cried on my drive home a bit…not because I am regretful.. but as a releasing.. or closing of a chapter that has brought about much growth…. much pain… along with much joy….. so I can say it.. I’M DONE!!!! DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE!!!!

(It needed it’s own line)

No more house to contend with.. no more excuses.. or wondering what if…. no more begging or loneliness… feeling unworthy… No, I walked out of that house and into a new really exciting chapter… already in process… and with this New Year… 2009 promises to bring about some amazing experiences… I am sure of that!!!

Tomorrow is New Years Eve.. and my 34th Birthday… on the itinerary.. I’m leaving work at noon.. grabbing some grub.. and then going to get my feetsies done with my girl Kristy.. then making myself all dolled up for a group of 10 of my friends.. we’re going to have dinner and ring in the year at Lias (Peters Restaurant) Peter has to work and I couldn’t think of any other place I would watn to be than with my love… Giving him a Kiss to welcome in 2009. What an awesome one it’s going to be.. I assure you.

So onto my goals… my 2009 Goals… I don’t have many but their very important:

1. Keep Running. No matter what.. Keep running. I WILL be running a 5K in the Spring.. and then many more after that…
2. Get BACK to working on my cards..I can say this past year I have not made a ONE card.. yes.. I said YEAR.. (actually since Thanksgiving 2007) and now that my little studio space is getting all set up.. I’m feeling the energy coming back… It is my goal to get my cards in 2 new shops by June.. maybe more.
3. Take a Belly Dancing Class.. Already have one picked out!
4. Get back into Group Meditation…. Yoga Studio RIGHT around the corner from me.. and I’ve already contacted them about Meditation class… Next week or so I’m ON it!!
5. Go on a long weekend trip with my boy Matthew….. I have been SO looking to spending some good quality time with him now that he’s back from duty in Iraq (get over it Matthew.. I said it)
6. Finish up all the planning I have to do for September 26th… I’m glad it’s the Fun stuff!!!
7. SAVE SAVE SAVE money… I am excited because I feel like this year is going to be my most prosperous… financially… and that will prove useful in September!!!
8. *** Take a Digital Photography class – now that I have my nice new Digital SLR Camera.. I want to learn how to use it!!! I am so excited to get out there and take some amazing pics!!!!! Woo hoo!!!

So It is now New Years Eve (flash forward from yesterday) and so.. in approximately 12 minutes I will be 34 years old!!! Amazing how much can change in one year!!! I will honestly say that I NEVER expected to be where I am today… but I am so glad I am!!! I can say that I feel more beautiful.. more loved.. and EXACTLY where I am supposed to be.. I have never been this excited to ring in a new year!!!

PS: AWESOME NEWS!!!!! : About 3 weeks ago.. My friend Kristy suggested we try to volunteer to work at the Inauguration of Barack Obama… so she created a group with her friend.. and we filled out the forms.. it said that there are soo many people that sign up to volunteer that it’s not guaranteed that I’ll get to volunteer.. WELL…. last nite.. my blackberry goes off (BARRRING!) and it’s an email saying that I am selected to be a volunteer.. and I get to now take a training class and information so I can Volunteer!!! !!! WAHOO!!! I’m excited to be a part in any way I can.. to participate in this amazing event!!!!! SO COOL!!!! GO BARACK!!!

Thank You everyone… for supporting me.. for being there.. for carrying me when I was too upset to walk… for listening and letting me cry.. for celebrating with me… I am a very blessed and lucky woman… and don’t think for a SECOND that I don’t know that!!!

I’m off.. into the Great Blue Yander… to celebrate!!! Go… do the sameth…
Happy New Year!!!
Much Love
Kerilyn